ReportWire

Tag: coffee near me

  • A Charlotte restaurant calls it quits + what’s next for a local coffee chain

    [ad_1]

    Charlotte’s food scene is always in flux, and this week saw the departure of two local businesses.

    This week, I reported three restaurant closings — including a neighborhood bar + lounge and what’s to come for a Carolina-born chain of coffeehouses.

    Catch up quick on what you missed:

    Clutch Coffee Bar

    Clutch Coffee Bar, a drive-thru chain headquartered in Mooresville, has closed and will undergo renovations before reopening as Dutch Bros Coffee shops.

    The two parties reached an agreement, and Dutch Bros will acquire Clutch’s 17 drive-thru locations across the Carolinas.

    Mooresville-based Clutch Coffee Bar is closing after nearly eight years, with Dutch Bros buying its locations across the Carolinas.
    Mooresville-based Clutch Coffee Bar is closing after nearly eight years, with Dutch Bros buying its locations across the Carolinas. Clutch Coffee Bar

    The brand’s Charlotte-area stores include spots Indian Trail, Monroe and Rock Hill.

    “This was not a decision made lightly — rather, it comes from a place of deep pride in what we’ve built together, and a belief that this next step will allow the culture, energy, and community-first spirit you helped create continue to grow on an even bigger stage,” Clutch co-founder Darren Spicer said in a message shared on the coffee chain’s website.

    Red at 28th

    Red at 28th, a multicultural bar, hookah and literary lounge in Dilworth, is officially closed.

    The lounge’s last day in business was Thursday, Jan. 15, with owners citing a lack of support from some members of the community.

    A silver and blue glass hookah sits on a textured table against a deep red wall. In the background, a plush yellow armchair and a warm floor lamp create a cozy lounge atmosphere.
    At Red at 28th in Charlotte, customers can enjoy premium hookah, a full service bar, books and light bites. CharlotteFive

    It relocated to the Dilworth neighborhood in 2021 and has had previous locations in University City and NoDa (both now closed).

    “Our doors have always been open and welcoming to all with zero discrimination to race, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs,” management wrote in a message shared to Instagram. “Our efforts were heavy to bridge a segregated gap, but there has [sic] to be an honest effort from the other side.”

    The owners teased plans for a new location, but the timing is unclear.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    [ad_2]

    Tanasia Kenney

    Source link

  • Carolina-born coffee chain to shutter ahead of Dutch Bros takeover. What to know

    [ad_1]

    A Carolina-born coffee chain is shutting down after nearly eight years.

    Clutch Coffee Bar, a drive-thru chain headquartered in Mooresville, is officially closing ahead of Dutch Bros Coffee’s plans to acquire its 20 locations across the Carolinas, according to a message posted to the business’s website. Its last day is Friday, Jan. 16.

    A small, modern drive-thru coffee shop called “Clutch Coffee Bar” features a sleek gray exterior accented with bright lime green trim and curved awnings. The building is situated in a paved parking lot under a bright blue sky with white clouds, with several vehicles and a grassy field visible in the background.
    Clutch Coffee Bar, a Carolina-born drive-thru coffee chain, will close after being acquired by Dutch Bros. Google Street View image from May 2023 | ©2026 Google

    Launched in 2018, Clutch Coffee has over a dozen drive-thrus, including Charlotte-area spots in Indian Trail, Monroe and Rock Hill.

    All locations will undergo renovations and reopen as Dutch Bros shops, though the timeline is unclear.

    “This was not a decision made lightly — rather, it comes from a place of deep pride in what we’ve built together, and a belief that this next step will allow the culture, energy, and community-first spirit you helped create continue to grow on an even bigger stage,” Clutch co-founder Darren Spicer wrote.

    Dutch Bros confirmed the acquisition and said it will build on Clutch’s “strong foundation in the Carolinas.”

    The Arizona-based coffee chain operates more than 1,000 locations nationwide and submitted a redevelopment plan for 5637 Albemarle Road in December.

    “We’re excited to continue expanding across the country as we work toward our long-term goal of 2,029 shops in 2029,” Dutch Bros told CharlotteFive in a statement.

    Spicer pointed to a “strong alignment in values” with Dutch Bros, saying the acquisition will benefit Clutch’s customers and employees.

    “Dutch Bros’ track record of incredible quality, speed, service, and local impact allow this transition to be rooted in shared purpose, not just growth,” he said.

    Local love for Clutch Coffee Bar

    In a farewell message, Spicer thanked the community for its support over the last several years.

    “Thank you for choosing us on your busiest mornings, for letting us be part of your routines, and for supporting a dream that started with a small team and a lot of heart and belief in Mooresville, NC,” he said.

    Clutch Coffee fans mourned news of the closure on social media:

    • “Me and my husband went to Clutch every single time he had chemo. All the employees in Mooresville were so terrific to both of us every time!! I will miss y’all so much! Clutch is the best,” Julie Beebe wrote on Facebook.
    • “Clutch employees were always so professional, loving, respectful & willingness to always make sure service was top tier. Business wise, congratulations – but we will be the OG CLUTCH! Here’s to new beginnings,” Nicholas Liddle commented.
    • “This makes me so sad but also love that Dutch is coming to the East coast. We’ll miss you guys,” Taylor Purser wrote.*

    This is a developing story and will be updated.

    *Comments have been edited for capitalization.

    Mooresville-based Clutch Coffee Bar is closing after nearly eight years, with Dutch Bros buying its locations across the Carolinas.
    Mooresville-based Clutch Coffee Bar is closing after nearly eight years, with Dutch Bros buying its locations across the Carolinas. Clutch Coffee Bar

    Clutch Coffee Bar

    Location: Multiple

    Cuisine: Coffee, smoothies + more

    Instagram: @clutchcoffeebar

    Mooresville-based Clutch Coffee Bar is closing after nearly eight years, with Dutch Bros buying its locations across the Carolinas.
    Mooresville-based Clutch Coffee Bar is closing after nearly eight years, with Dutch Bros buying its locations across the Carolinas. Clutch Coffee Bar

    This story was originally published January 14, 2026 at 11:24 AM.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    [ad_2]

    Tanasia Kenney

    Source link

  • Café serving authentic Yemeni coffee opens in Ballantyne Charlotte. What to know

    [ad_1]

    Haraz Coffee House is expanding in Charlotte with a new spot in Ballantyne.

    The café chain specializing in Yemeni coffee and tea held a soft opening Tuesday, Nov. 18, giving guests a sneak peek at its newest location, according to a recent Instagram post.

    “We can’t wait to welcome you into our newest home — filled with the aromas of fresh Yemini coffee, warm hospitality, and that signature Haraz experience,” the cafe’s team wrote.

    An iced coffee beverage with distinct layers of dark coffee and milk is presented in a tapered glass on a white marble table. The background is a coffee shop interior featuring a long, tan upholstered bench and a large wooden world map with the word “YEMEN” prominent at the top.
    Haraz Coffee House, a cafe specializing in Yemeni teas and coffee, is expanding in Charlotte with a new location. Haraz Coffee House

    It’s Haraz Coffee’s third location in the Queen City, joining two others in Elizabeth and South End. Launched in Dearborn, Michigan, in 2021, coffee chain has since grown to 30-plus locations nationwide.

    Guests can expect traditional Yemeni coffees, handcrafted espresso drinks, spiced teas and scrumptious pastries, the café’s website says.

    Golden milk is on the menu, as are macchiatos, pour over coffee, cold brews and more.

    A large, horizontal wooden mural depicting a world map is mounted above a long, tan upholstered bench in a coffee shop. The map emphasizes “YEMEN: ORIGIN OF COFFEE” and features detailed wood carvings illustrating the coffee supply chain and significant landmarks.
    Haraz Coffee House specializes in authentic Yemeni coffee and teas. Pastries are also available. Haraz Coffee House

    Location: 15205 John J Delaney Dr Ste B, Charlotte, NC 28277

    Location: 1204 Central Ave #100, Charlotte, NC 28204

    Location: 3441 South Blvd C, Charlotte, NC 28209

    Cuisine: Authentic Yemeni coffee, tea and pastries.

    Instagram: @harazcoffeehouse and @hrzballantynenc

    A diverse spread of desserts and beverages is arranged on a white table, including slices of cake, pastries, and layered iced drinks. Two small copper cups of dark, hot coffee rest on an ornately engraved copper tray in the foreground.
    The menu at Haraz Coffee House features a variety of pastries from pistachio cake to fresh muffins and croissants. Haraz Coffee House

    This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 11:47 AM.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide explainers for the NC Service Journalism team. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    [ad_2]

    Tanasia Kenney

    Source link

  • Concord native closes doors on downtown coffee shop. ‘I’m beyond grateful’

    [ad_1]

    A Charlotte-area coffee shop is “officially closed” after nearly two years in business.

    High Grounds Coffeehouse on Monday, Oct. 6, announced it was shutting the doors on its spot along Barbrick Avenue in downtown Concord, according to an Instagram post.

    A reason for the closure wasn’t immediately clear.

    A wide, eye-level shot of a street in Concord, North Carolina. The asphalt road slopes uphill toward the background. At the top of the hill, a prominent light-blue water tower with the word “Concord” in red script is centered in the frame. The scene is flanked by brick buildings and vibrant green trees on a bright day with a blue sky and scattered clouds. A green lamppost and a pedestrian crossing sign are in the right foreground.
    High Grounds Coffeehouse officially opened in downtown Concord, NC, in January 2024. Alex Cason CharlotteFive

    “Owning this shop has been one of the greatest adventures of my life, and I’m beyond grateful for the love, support and encouragement I’ve received over the past two years,” owner Andrea Runyan wrote on Instagram.

    Opened in January 2024, High Grounds was “more than just a coffee shop but … a quaint sanctuary” for locals strolling the city’s downtown, officials wrote in a profile highlighting Runyan, a Concord native. The beloved coffeehouse found a home on the ground floor of the new Novi Lofts.

    Last summer, a major streetscape construction project aimed at drawing new visitors to the historic district made the area tough to navigate, CharlotteFive reported. Foot traffic was slow, and many local businesses struggled.

    It’s not clear if the heavy construction played a part in High Grounds’ closure.

    CharlotteFive reached out to Runyan for more information Tuesday and was awaiting a response.

    The coffee house used beans from Colorado, where Runyan lived for a few years after college, according to Concord officials. The name “High Grounds” was her way of bringing that chapter of her life back home.

    “From the regulars who became friends, to the new faces that brought joy through the door, each of you has been part of this journey and made it so meaningful,” she said via Instagram.

    Local love for High Grounds

    Runyan thanked the downtown Concord community for “being part of my dream,” adding: “I truly hope it’s not a goodbye but a ‘see you again.’”

    The sign-off prompted an outpouring of reactions from locals sad to see High Grounds go:

    • “You are the only coffee place I go to in downtown and I’m gonna miss you so much! Your coffee gets me through tough days in the office,” Instagram user @applepie0712 commented.
    • “I will miss hanging out and talking to you while you make some great coffee,” Mark Shropshire wrote. “Wishing you the best and can’t wait to hear what you do next.”
    • “Sending you all my love and support in your next journey Andrea! You will be missed,” The Downtown Dirty, which highlights business in downtowns across Cabarrus County, wrote.
    • “Forever my favorite coffee in Concord! ❤️ Best wishes for your next adventure!!,” wrote Babetta Popoff.

    High Grounds Coffeehouse

    Location: 25 Barbrick Ave SW Ste. 103, Concord, NC 28025

    Cuisine: Coffee

    Menu

    Instagram: @highgroundscoffeehouse

    This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 11:35 AM.

    Related Stories from Charlotte Observer

    Tanasia Kenney

    Sun Herald

    Tanasia is a service journalism reporter based at the Charlotte Observer | CharlotteFive, working remotely from Atlanta, Georgia. She recently joined the NC Service Journalism team and covers restaurant openings/closings in Charlotte and statewide stories. She’s been with McClatchy since 2020.

    [ad_2]

    Tanasia Kenney

    Source link